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Memorial celebrates opening of new inpatient Behavioral Health & Wellness Center

State and county health officials joined the management and behavioral health staff of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center at ceremonies celebrating the opening of Memorial’s new $6.9 million inpatient Behavioral Health & Wellness Center.

The new 54-bed is located on the hospital’s second and third floors and replaces outdated behavioral health facilities in the hospital’s S-5 and W-2 wings.

The new center will significantly improve Memorial’s ability to meet a growing community need for effective, outcome-based therapeutic services. 

“As the home of the only inpatient behavioral health service in Niagara County, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has a special responsibility to

deliver high quality care to those who live in our region,” Memorial President & CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo said.  “We take that responsibility seriously and are proud to say that we are now offering those services amid bright, new surroundings in the newest inpatient center in the state of New York.”

The $6.9 million project was financed with funds securitized by Memorial’s share of local revenue from the Seneca Niagara Casino and gifts from the John R. Oishei Foundation, Grigg-Lewis Foundation and James H. Cummings Foundation, Inc.

The modern layout promotes patient safety and provides dedicated space for therapeutic groups and other constructive group activity.  It also provides expanded space to promote family involvement in therapeutic intervention and offers expanded facilities for art, music, and recreational therapy and other therapeutic initiatives.

“We now have dedicated office space for our psychiatrists, social workers and rehab staff members right on the units, which enhances care team effectiveness,” said Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer Joanne Krolewski, RN, BSN.  “The rooms and hallways are bright and aesthetically pleasing, creating an atmosphere that promotes wellness and recovery.”